JIM Magilton could be without three key players this weekend as Ipswich Town go searching for their first away win of the season.Alan Lee, Owen Garvan and Billy Clarke all have various degrees of doubt about their fitness for the trip to Cardiff City's Ninian Park.

By Derek Davis

JIM Magilton could be without three key players this weekend as Ipswich Town go searching for their first away win of the season.

Alan Lee, Owen Garvan and Billy Clarke all have various degrees of doubt about their fitness for the trip to Cardiff City's Ninian Park.

The Blues boss is sweating on the Irish trio with Lee the most likely to recover after picking up an Achilles injury in the 6-0 win over Bristol City.

Garvan and Clarke were forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad that play Bulgaria in Athlone tonight.

Magilton said: “Owen and Billy are disappointed not to be playing for their country. They have both stayed to have treatment and some light jogging to keep them loose.

“It is too soon to tell if they will be fit for Cardiff and we will make a decision Friday.

“Alan has started training again and I expect him to be fine for the weekend.”

Another midfielder who hopes to soon be in the frame is Gavin Williams who played 70 minutes of the reserves' 5-1 win at Peterborough last night.

Magilton said: “Gavin will be assessed today. He did well but it still a bit rusty and will make a decision about him later in the week. I'm reluctant to push him back too early.”